Culture

Grows well in damp to very wet soils in full sun to partial shade. Seeds should be planted in the fall or moist-stratified and planted in the spring.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Carex vulpinoidea is a Missouri native sedge, which grows on moist open ground in swamps, wet prairies or near water. It is one of the most abundant sedges in the state. Its narrow grass-like leaf blades grow in 2 feet clumps up to 3 feet in height. The seedheads, which spray out attractively from the center of the clump, resemble a fox's tail but are short-lived.

Genus name from Latin means cutter in reference to the sharp leaves and stem edges (rushes are round but sedges have edges) found on most species' plants.

Problems

This sedge may be weedy and spreads rapidly.

Garden Uses

Is useful for locations that remain moist such as around water gardens or near streams, springs, or ponds. It may also grow well in the partial shade of a moist woods.